The Role
Lead assembly, integration, and testing of RF subsystems for spacecraft. Develop test plans, execute RF performance and environmental tests (thermal vacuum, vibration, EMI/EMC), troubleshoot hardware, analyze and report results, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize RF system performance and ensure flight readiness.
Summary Generated by Built In
Wanna join the adventure?
As our new Test Engineer –RF/Spacecraft AIT, you will play an important role in the integration, testing, and validation of spacecraft systems and RF components supporting Loft's space missions.
We are looking for a hands-on Test Engineer with a strong foundation in electrical or spacecraft testing, some exposure to RF systems, and an interest in further developing their RF testing expertise.
We are looking for a hands-on Test Engineer with a strong foundation in electrical or spacecraft testing, some exposure to RF systems, and an interest in further developing their RF testing expertise.
You don't need to be an RF expert to start in this role, but along the way, we’ll help you develop those skills. We're looking for someone who brings solid testing and electrical fundamentals, strong troubleshooting skills, and a willingness to learn and grow within our spacecraft AIT environment.
About the Role:
- Develop, execute, and maintain test plans and procedures for spacecraft systems, RF subsystems, and electrical components.
- Perform hands-on functional, integration, and validation testing of spacecraft hardware.
- Support the assembly, integration, and testing of RF components and subsystems.
- Troubleshoot electrical, RF, and system-level issues identified during testing.
- Work with RF engineers and other technical specialists to develop deeper expertise in RF testing methodologies and equipment.
- Operate and become proficient with RF test equipment, such as spectrum analyzers, vector network analyzers (VNAs), and signal generators.
- Analyze test results, identify anomalies, document findings, and support corrective actions.
- Support spacecraft environmental testing activities, including thermal vacuum, vibration, and EMI/EMC testing, as needed.
- Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, RF, and systems engineers to ensure successful spacecraft integration and testing.
- Contribute to improvements in test procedures, equipment, automation, and overall testing efficiency.
- Support spacecraft electrical checkout and functional verification throughout the AIT process.
Must Haves:
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent relevant experience.
- Hands-on experience in test engineering, including test execution, validation, troubleshooting, and analysis.
- Experience testing electrical, electronic, aerospace, or other complex hardware systems.
- Foundational understanding of RF concepts or some practical exposure to RF testing, with a strong willingness to further develop RF expertise.
- Familiarity with electrical test equipment and laboratory testing environments.
- Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills, with the ability to investigate and resolve technical issues.
- Ability to interpret technical documentation, test procedures, and engineering specifications.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional engineering teams.
Nice to Haves:
- Experience with spacecraft assembly, integration, and testing (AIT) or satellite hardware.
- Hands-on experience with RF test equipment, including VNAs, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, or RF chambers.
- Experience testing RF subsystems, transceivers, amplifiers, antennas, or communication systems.
- Familiarity with TT&C (Telemetry, Tracking, and Command), GPS/GNSS testing, or spacecraft communication systems.
- Experience with environmental testing, including EMI/EMC, thermal vacuum, or vibration testing.
- Experience with test automation or scripting using Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, or similar tools.
- Familiarity with RF system performance analysis, signal processing, or RF simulations.
- Experience developing or improving test procedures and troubleshooting complex spacecraft or electronic systems.
Some of Our Awesome Benefits:
- 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance option for employees and dependents
- Flexible Spending (FSA) and Health Savings (HSA) Accounts offered with an employer contribution to the HSA
- 100% employer paid Life, AD&D, Short-Term, and Long-Term Disability insurance
- Flexible Time Off policy for vacation and sick leave, and 12 paid holidays
- 401(k) plan and equity options
- Daily catered lunches and snacks in office
- International exposure to our team in France
- Fully paid parental leave; 14 weeks for birthing parent and 10 weeks for non-birthing parent
- Carrot Fertility provides comprehensive, inclusive fertility healthcare and family-forming benefits with financial support
- Off-sites and many social events and celebrations
- Relocation assistance when applicable
*Research shows that while men apply to jobs where they meet an average of 60% of the criteria, women and other underrepresented people tend to only apply when they meet 100% of the qualifications. At Loft, we value respectful debate and people who aren’t afraid to challenge assumptions. We strongly encourage you to apply, even if you don’t check all the boxes.
Who We Are
Loft: Space Made Simple.
Founded in 2017, Loft provides governments, companies, and research institutions with a fast, reliable, and simple way to deploy missions in orbit.
We integrate, launch, and operate spacecraft, offering end-to-end missions as a service across Earth observation, IoT connectivity, on-orbit AI, national security missions, and more. Leveraging our existing space infrastructure and an extensive inventory of satellite buses, Loft is reducing years-long integration and launch timelines to months. With more than 30 missions flown, Loft’s flight heritage and proven technologies enable customers to focus on their mission objectives.
With a growing fleet on track to reach 30 satellites by 2027, we are scaling up quickly across our offices in San Francisco, CA | Golden, CO | and Toulouse, France to meet accelerating demand for space infrastructure.
As an international company your resume will be reviewed by people across our offices so please attach a copy in English.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
- Master's degree (preferred)
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in RF subsystem testing and integration
- Proven experience in RF system integration, simulation, and performance analysis
- Experience in payload RF systems, transceiver, and amplifier design
- Proficiency in test engineering (test design, validation, execution, troubleshooting)
- Proven experience with RF testing tools (VNA, Spectrum Analyzer, RF chamber)
- Hands-on experience with space hardware and spaceflight antennas
- Experience with tests such as EMI/EMC, GNC GPS testing, and TTNC
- Knowledge in EMI/EMC characterization
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills
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The Company
What We Do
Space Made Simple. We are a true end-to-end service provider letting our customers rapidly deploy and operate their payloads on reliable high-performance satellites at an unprecedented simplicity and affordability.
